This Taxi Driver Has an Amazing Life Story You'll Want to Hear

Meet Estaifan Shilaita—Chicago cab driver, loving father, and former boxing champion. From 1968 to 1976, Shilaita was the national boxing champion of Iraq before being forced to flee his home country because of his Christian faith. Although he left his boxing dreams behind, Shilaita eventually found greater happiness than he could have ever imagined.

In this heartwarming film by Brett Garamella and Patrick McGowan, hear Chicago taxi driver Estaifan Shilaita’s incredible tale of family, faith, and fulfillment.

The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the web and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of National Geographic Partners.

Know of a great short film that should be part of our Showcase? Email sfs@natgeo.com to submit a video for consideration. See more from National Geographic's Short Film Showcase at documentary.com

This Taxi Driver Has an Amazing Life Story You'll Want to Hear

Meet Estaifan Shilaita—Chicago cab driver, loving father, and former boxing champion. From 1968 to 1976, Shilaita was the national boxing champion of Iraq before being forced to flee his home country because of his Christian faith. Although he left his boxing dreams behind, Shilaita eventually found greater happiness than he could have ever imagined.

In this heartwarming film by Brett Garamella and Patrick McGowan, hear Chicago taxi driver Estaifan Shilaita’s incredible tale of family, faith, and fulfillment.

The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the web and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of National Geographic Partners.

Know of a great short film that should be part of our Showcase? Email sfs@natgeo.com to submit a video for consideration. See more from National Geographic's Short Film Showcase at documentary.com